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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Jefferson Square, a neighborhood in Topeka, Kansas, currently exhibits a Black Majority demographic composition, with 60% of the population identifying as Black in 2022. The area has experienced fluctuations in its racial makeup and economic indicators over the past decade. Jefferson Square is known for its historical significance in Topeka's civil rights movement, particularly its connection to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case.
From 2013 to 2022, Jefferson Square has consistently maintained a Black Majority status, with the Black population ranging from 49% to 69%. The neighborhood came close to transitioning to a Black Plurality in 2017 when the Black population dropped to 49%, just shy of the majority threshold. There has been a significant increase in the Hispanic population, rising from 11% in 2013 to 25% in 2022, indicating a trend towards a more diverse community. The White population has remained relatively stable, hovering between 13-17% throughout the decade. The neighborhood shows signs of becoming a Transitional Community, with the Hispanic population showing a general upward trend over the years.
The median income in Jefferson Square has shown considerable volatility. From 2013 to 2018, there was a general upward trend in median income, peaking at $40,847 in 2018. However, since 2018, there has been a decline, with the median income dropping to $37,713 in 2022. The periods of higher racial diversity (2017-2019) coincided with higher median incomes, suggesting a possible positive correlation between diversity and economic prosperity in this neighborhood. Population figures have also fluctuated, with a notable increase from 601 in 2019 to 804 in 2022. This sudden population growth could be linked to the increase in the Hispanic population and may have implications for the neighborhood's economic and social dynamics.
The trend of increasing Hispanic population in Jefferson Square aligns with broader national trends of growing Hispanic populations in many U.S. cities. The median income in Jefferson Square ($37,713 in 2022) is likely below the national median household income, which was around $70,000 in 2021. This suggests that despite some improvements, the neighborhood still faces economic challenges. The persistent Black Majority status of Jefferson Square is noteworthy in a state like Kansas, which has a predominantly White population overall. This could indicate that Jefferson Square is a historically Black neighborhood within Topeka.
Jefferson Square presents a complex picture of demographic and economic change. While maintaining its status as a Black Majority neighborhood, it shows signs of increasing diversity, particularly with the growth of the Hispanic population. The economic trajectory has been mixed, with periods of growth followed by recent declines. These trends suggest that Jefferson Square is in a state of transition, balancing its historical identity with evolving demographic and economic realities.